My new 85.

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T

theseeker411

Joined
Aug 22, 2017
Threads
1
Messages
10
Location
Irvine, CA
What's up y'all.

I just picked this truck up yesterday. Traded my 73 C10 straight up for it. Has a bunch of miles on it but the head and carb were both rebuilt and it runs well. Right now my big issue is that the steering system is all worn out. Basically everything needs to be replaced. Where does everyone go for parts for these things? This is my first Toyota, first 4x4. I'm having fun researching things and dreaming of upgrading things. But I want to do it right while staying to a reasonable budget. I don't want to go crazy building this thing just yet, but I do want to be able to stick with my friends' FJ60/62s while out in SoCal's off road spots.



 
Nice looking truck!
For front end parts, I would stick with Factory Toyota if you're planning to keep it stock. If you're thinking of starting to modify the truck, then look into a highsteer conversion. However that will require a different steering box, and some custom work.
Probably the single best thing for increased offroad capability would be a locker of some sort for the rear axle.
What are your overall plans for this truck?
Welcome to the boards!
 
Thanks man! I'll stick with factory parts for now. I'd like to keep it mostly stock for now and just fix the minor issues it's got. This is going to be more of a trail machine/daily for me instead of a hardcore rock crawler. I may invest in a rear locker at some point.
 
In that case, the tie rod ends should be looked at, the leaf spring bushings as well (often overlooked). The drag link ends have a small amount of adjustment in them, and could be tightened up, but can wear out.

Happy wrenching and post more pics! :cheers:
 
2ndGenToyotaFan said:
In that case, the tie rod ends should be looked at, the leaf spring bushings as well (often overlooked). The drag link ends have a small amount of adjustment in them, and could be tightened up, but can wear out.

Happy wrenching and post more pics! :cheers:
Click to expand...
Ya, really the only parts that can be replace are the tie rod ends, and rebuilding the drag link. Not hard at all. Sometimes the steering box can get a bit sloppy.
 
Yeah the steering box itself seems to be fine. Gonna order a pitman arm, drag link rebuild kit, and tie rod ends and see if that and an alignment sort it out.
 
When I bought my '84, it had previously been used as a plow truck. Every single joint and bearing in the front end was trashed.

Be sure to check the knuckle and wheel bearings.
 
Took the truck out to Holy Jim here in Orange County. Nothing very challenging at all, but I figured it'd be a good first dirt shakedown.



Definitely need a better seat soon, the stock bench is dead out of foam. Need to fiddle with the fuel delivery a little. But I had fun and I think my dog approves.
 
Nice looking truck man!! Definitely came out on top of your trade
 
I've got a pitman arm and drag link rebuild kit on the way, should be here Thursday. Then hopefully I can get the truck aligned this weekend.

Been looking into different options for a rear locker. I like the lunchbox style lockers like the Spartan, but I don't know what it'd be like to drive with one on the street. Also debating if I want to re-gear to 4.88s and run 33s.
 
I have a lunchbox locker in my FJ40. I hate it. Wish i installed an ARB.
 
The more I've looked into it, the more I think I'm gonna go for a Yukon. ARB would be nice, but damn they're expensive. Kind of hard to justify for a super high milage first time project/beater/daily.
 
If you are going to run 488's try and find two rear ends from a newer 4runner with the e lockers. then you just need to do a little wiring.... I missed a pair a few weeks ago that sold for $300. I was told that the 488 rear ends you cannot regear so no one wants them...well unless you plan on only running 488s
 
Im happy with my Toyota Electric Lockers, but the wiring can be a little daunting if you haven't dome much wiring before. I also had a welded rear for a while. I would consider it again for a trail only truck, but I got tired of running errands around town and squealing tires in parking lots...

The "soft" lockers take some getting used to, but I would probably take the welded rear over the loading and unloading of the soft lockers.

So as usual, you get what you pay for.... :cheers:
 
I don't mind wiring, really. I've wired in stereos before, and the air-ride in my BMW. I'll keep an eye out for e-lockers then.
 
Good to know, thanks!

Put some 31s on that have a bit more tread to them than the 30s. Mostly cause they were cheap.

Keep having a stalling issue with the 22r out on the trail. Really want to switch to EFI at some point.
 
Rebuilt the drag link a few days ago. Man it steers soo much better now, even without an alignment.

Getting some 63" Chevy springs tonight and I'm looking at instal kits. Really would like to redo all of the shocks too. Truck rides terribly right now.
 
Nice truck! This is a great forum. Ive got an 85 too! Great trucks. I installed OME springs and shocks last year and though it rides a little better its still pretty rough especially on rougher dirt roads.
 
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